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Posted 8/6/2009 3:14 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Y'all,

I'm 17years old and I am permanently in a wheelchair due to a neuromuscular disease. I've been suffering depression and an anxiety disorder for about 5 years now, about 7 months ago I had a Basilar Artery Migraine when I got out of the shower and since then I have been having panic attacks whenever I get out of the shower. The panic attacks only happen when I'm getting out of the shower, any other time I am in the bathroom I am completely okay and calm-ish The panic attacks are very different then what I`m used to. Usually they just are hyperventilation panic attacks but now I start to loose my vision and I feel feverish which scares me.

Also since I had Norwalk at Christmas I`ve had constant diarrhea, which I think is caused by stress but I`ve done stool and blood tests to figure out whats going on and they`ve come back negative.

I am on cipralex which almost every single female on my mothers side is on and feel like the odd one out because it isnt really doing any thing for me anymore and I`m on 20mg and my Dr. wont increase my dosage anymore.

I`m Just seeking advice on what to do next.

Thanks.

Posted 8/6/2009 12:47 PM (GMT 0)

Good Morning and Welcome to HealingWell.

I m so sorry to hear you are having these panic attacks triggered by taking a shower.  I am wondering if you have ever had any therapy which may help you learn to deal with the fears brought on by showering?   Also it may be a good idea to talk with your physician about changing your medication from cipralex to a different AD.  There are many choices available.

It feels to me like you have overcome some huge obstacles in your life for one that is so young and I do believe that your will also learn how to overcome the fears you are now experiencing.  You have our support so please do keep on talking with us.  We care !

Gentle Hugs
Kitt

Posted 8/6/2009 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Yes I've been to therapy before but my therapist looked like Golum from Lord of the Rings and I had a hard time connecting to him. He also said that all my issues are just apart of growing up, which didn't help me at all.

Thank you for your help, I've made a doctors appointment to talk about changing medications.
Posted 8/6/2009 3:58 PM (GMT 0)

Hello again  and you are very welcome.  I do hope you will keep talking with us here in the forum.  We do care about our members and we are here to listen and support you.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Posted 8/6/2009 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
It's extremely relieving to know there are people out there that understand.

I'll keep you posted on what happens next for me, thanks again.

:)
Posted 8/7/2009 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
OddOneOut, welcome! Being only 17 and having to deal with all of this sucks. No wonder you've been suffering from depression and panic attacks. Remember that it wasn't the shower that caused the panic attack. You've no doubt showered many times in your life and never had an attack. Remind yourself that panic attacks are not harmful. Float through these attacks and calmly wait them out. It may take practice but you'll get good at it!

As was suggested above, find a therapist you can relate to. This will help tremendously, also. Docs need to be careful when prescribing meds to younger patients as the side effects may be different. Let us know how you're doing!!
Posted 8/7/2009 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
hi welcome to the site,
I hope you can get some help in dealing with your problems. It's great to come here, vent and get some help.
It took about 3 different attempts for me to get a counsellor i could trust so don't give up.
boo
Posted 8/8/2009 2:09 AM (GMT 0)

Aries8 said...
. Remind yourself that panic attacks are not harmful. Float through these attacks and calmly wait them out. It may take practice but you'll get good at it!

Aries gives great advice! I no longer 'fight' the panic, i let it wash over me, like waves crashing on a beach- and then slowly the waves start to recede and i can cope again. I find that if i fight an attack off, i end up making it worse, so now i do breathing exercises and visualise positive memories.

Welcome to HW, you are not alone- we are here to help and listen.

Maz XX

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